Magnetic proximity probe

Abstract

The invention relates to magnetic measuring instruments that measure the proximity of a target and its orientation relative to a probe. The probe includes a scalar magnetic field sensor (9) positioned in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet (7). To reduce the error in estimating the proximity of the measured target due to its orientation, the probe additionally includes a directional magnetic field sensor (10) positioned in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (7). Electrically conductive terminals are connected to the thin layers (2) and (3) of the mentioned sensors (9) and (10), to which an electric current source (11) is connected so that electric current can flow through the thin layers (2) and (3) of the mentioned scalar and directional sensors, forming a series connected circuit. Voltage measuring devices are connected so that the voltage of the series connected circuit and the voltages of the mentioned sensors (9, 10) can be measured. Based on the measured values, the data processing device (13) determines the distance and orientation of the target (14) relative to the probe.